Norton's Statement on the Passing of Abe Pollin (11/24/09)

Norton's Statement on the Passing of Abe Pollin

November 24, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) issued the following statement on the passing of Abe Pollin.

"Abe Pollin built an unparalleled sports empire that left almost no game out, but his heart was in building a better District of Columbia. His agreement to bring his teams from Maryland and build the Verizon Center in the midst of the city's worst financial crisis in this century was emblematic of his devotion to the town that helped form him from his childhood. In more small and large ways than will ever be widely known, Abe made himself citizen number one in this city. I had many occasions to work with Abe and Irene, who has made unique contributions on her own to our city. What I will remember beyond my friendships with Abe and Irene is how generously they befriended the District of Columbia."